Essential resources for understanding the world of special education in Howard County and beyond.
Parental Rights: The Maryland Procedural Safeguards Notice
The procedural safeguards notice includes a full explanation of your rights in an easily understandable manner and in your native language. This procedural safeguards notice applies to children and families receiving services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and also to children/students receiving services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Maryland State Department of Education Family Support and Dispute Resolution Branch
The branch facilitates informal dispute resolution by responding to parent inquiries, assisting parents with navigating Maryland’s early intervention and special education systems, and connecting parents with community resources and local personnel who can assist with concerns. Additionally, staff investigate and resolve formal State complaints that allege violations of state and federal IDEA requirements regarding the…
Independent IEP Meeting Facilitation
The goal of the facilitated IEP meeting is to help IEP team members communicate effectively and develop an educational program to meet the child’s need. The independent facilitators, from Community Mediation Centers, can be contacted through the Howard County Public School System’s Family Support and Resource Center at 410-313-7161.
A Parent’s Guide to Due Process in Special Education
The Howard County Public School System promotes the involvement of parents, families and community members as active partners in education. There may be times when a parent, guardian, or custodian will have a concern related to his or her child’s education. A Parents’ Guide to Due Process In Special Education outlines the steps for addressing concerns
